Digital media impacts multiple aspects of self representation: An investigation of flow, agency, presence, character identification and time perception
Vince Polito, Michael Hitchens · 2019
Research in cognitive science is rapidly increasing our understanding of the cognitive mechanisms that give rise to our sense of being a unified conscious self, and that allow us to interact in purposeful ways with the external environment. Laboratory research has shown that experimental manipulations involving computer-based tasks can alter aspects of our self representation. In the current study we investigated how complex digital media, experienced in real-world settings, impacts aspects of self processing. Specifically, we investigated experiences of self representation associated with interactive media such as video games and non-interactive media, such as film or television, in naturalistic settings. 220 participants completed measures of flow, sense of agency, presence, character involvement and time perception, reporting on their engagement with both interactive and non-interactive media. Results showed reduced agentive involuntariness, but increased flow, presence, character involvement, and time perception for interactive compared to non-interactive media. Absorption was associated with increased flow, presence and character involvement. Personality traits of openness and conscientiousness were also associated with moderate alteration of aspects self representation during media engagement. This study presents nuanced differences in the way that interactive and non-interactive media impact self processing, and highlights features that may enhance engagement with digital media.